Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for a staggering 941,652 deaths in 2022. This information was highlighted in a comprehensive report published by the American Heart Association (AHA).
In 2022, the combined fatalities from heart disease and stroke surpassed those from all forms of cancer and accidental deaths in the United States. This underscores the critical impact of cardiovascular conditions on public health.
The data reveals that coronary heart disease was the leading cause of death attributable to cardiovascular conditions, responsible for 39.5 percent of these deaths. This was followed by stroke, which accounted for 17.6 percent of cardiovascular-related fatalities. Other cardiovascular diseases contributed to 17 percent, while hypertensive diseases were responsible for 14 percent. Heart failure and diseases of the arteries accounted for 9.3 percent and 2.6 percent respectively, according to the AHA report.
The report also indicates an increase in cardiovascular-related deaths compared to 2021. In 2021, there were 931,578 deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease, highlighting a concerning rise in fatalities in 2022.
Addressing the prevalence of cardiovascular disease is essential for improving public health outcomes. Continued research and preventive measures are necessary to combat this leading cause of death effectively.
